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Altrusa is an international non-profit organization, making our local communities better through leadership, partnership, and service.

"Christmas Basket" and "Literacy" Committees report to the club

Ruth Heath spoke to our Altrusa club on behalf of the Christmas Basket Committee. This year, she and Sally Senger got the names of two families in our area where grandparents are raising their grandchildren, and are in need of assistance.

In past years, the committee created actual baskets of items to give to families in need. However, this year they decided to talk to the recipients in advance, and delivered gift certificates to both families based on what their actual needs were. Ruth reported that both families were very grateful for the assistance.

Kay Hotsenpiller and Sheryl Starbuck reported on the many activities of the Literacy Committee this past year. Each month, a teacher is honored from a different school in our community, based on the recommendation from that school's principal. While Altrusa of Montrose had presented "apple" trophies to the winners in the past, more recently the committee decided to give each teacher $25 in MAMA Bucks instead, since it is quite common for teachers to spend their own money for items they use in their work.

They reported that 103 "Buddy Bags" were filled with coloring books, pencils, reading books, and other items for children, and that organizations such as Tri-County Resource Center, Adult Education Center, Montrose Medical Mission, and Montrose Community Dental Clinic received these big, blue tote bags decorated with the Altrusa logo.

"Seasons Readings" is another project of the Literacy Committee, in conjunction with the Daily Press. Collection boxes for new and gently-used children's books were placed around town, and collected books were tied with ribbons. Health & Human Resources then donate the bundles of books to needy children for Christmas. This year, 720 books were given away.

On "Make a Difference Day", the Literacy Committee presented books to the Adult Education Center for Adults who are learning to read.

As always, we at Altrusa of Montrose are proud of the good work done by our numerous committees!